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w w 00 STATUS REPORT COLORAOO R I V E R W ATE R :.;0 QUALITY IMP R 0 V E MEN T PROGRAM INTROOUCTION The CRWQIP (Colorado River Water Qual ity Improvement Program) emerged in the early 1970's after leaders at the regional and national level began to recognize the salinity prOblem dnd to seek solutions. Salinity is defined as the weight of salt (total dissolved solids) divided by the volume of water available for dilution of that salt. Thus, concentrations of salin- ity are expressed in milligrams of salt per liter of water. A status report on the CRWQIP was published in January 1974. Since that time, many planning and field investigations have been completed. and some progress to reduce the salinity concentration levels in the Colorado River is now being made. This report will assess the salinity problem in the Basin and explore the major activities since 1974. Oiscussions are also included on the pro- gram evaluation. status of unit investigations, the research and support studies. and cooperative programs of other entities. An outlook of what is needed and what might be possible in the future CRWQIP is explored. BASINWIDE PERSPECTIVE The waters of t he Co 1 or ado River sys tern serve mi 11 ions of peop 1 e in many ways. It is a vital link in sustaining cities and farms. mines and indus- try, recreational space and wildlife. and areas of great esthetic value to the Nation. The water irrigates crops, produces energy. provides recrea- tion, and supplies the common daily needs of people. It is the source of water for cities within the Basin and larger metropolitan areas outside the Basin. A large variety of crops. providing a needed diversity to the national diet. are irrigated by its waters both within and outside the Basin. However, the concentration of dissolved solids in the lower reaches of the river. now among the highest of the great rivers of North America. is increasing. The projected increase will further impair the usefulness of the wa ter . In geographical terms. the Colorado River drains one of the most diverse river basins in the I<<<Jrld. The 1.400-mlle long river originates in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Wyoming and flows through scenic canyons and desert areas to accommodate drainage from parts of seven western States and Mexico. The river drains 242.000 square miles - one-twelfth the conterminous area of the United States - and 2,000 square miles in Mexico. The Basin includes parts of seven states - southwestern Wyoming. western Colorado, parts of Utah. Nevada, New Mexico, nearly all of Arizona. and a small section of California. From this area, it carries a salinity burden of 9 million tons annually past Hoover Dam.